The Hemlock Cure

by Joanne Burn

2.5 out of 5

Synopsis

It is 1665 and the women of Eyam keep many secrets.

Isabel Frith, the village midwife, walks a dangerous line with her herbs and remedies. There are men in the village who speak of witchcraft, and Isabel has a past to hide. So she tells nobody her fears about Wulfric, the pious, reclusive apothecary.

Mae, Wulfric's youngest daughter, dreads her father's rage if he discovers what she keeps from him. Like her feelings for Rafe, Isabel's ward, or the fact that she studies from Wulfric's books at night.

But others have secrets too. Secrets darker than any of them could have imagined.

When Mae makes a horrifying discovery, Isabel is the only person she can turn to. But helping Mae will place them both in unimaginable peril.

And meanwhile another danger is on its way from London. One that threatens to engulf them all . . .

Based on the real history of an English village during the Great Plague, The Hemlock Cure is an utterly beguiling tale of fear and ambition, betrayal, self-sacrifice and the unbreakable bond between two women.

Review

When the plague hits their village, Mae's father, the apothecary becomes more powerful. Mae tries to be helpful, but despite her keen intellect, she is limited by her gender.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows several residents from an English village, during the Great Plague.

We get to follow Wulfric, Mae's father, and the village apothecary. He is a pious man, and believes only sinners will get ill; but still becomes an influential figure to the village; the only one who can slow the plague.

Isabel is the village midwife. She has known Mae since she was born; and after her mother dies, and her father ignores her; Isabel steps in to be a parental figure. She knows that Mae is smart and encourages her learning herblore and healing.

Johan is Isabel's husband, and has to travel to London when his ward's missing mother has been discovered. He risks going to the capital, to support his close friend.

Mae's story is actually narrated by Leah - Mae's deceased older sister.

In hindsight, I thought it helped add her understanding of what really happens. But I mostly found it awkward, confusing and unnecessary.

I liked the historical accuracy and the in-depth knowledge of herblore and healing at the time, which the story expressed with some passion.

It also focusses on the tensions that have been created by the plague. The distrust, and the sense of hopelessness. Not sure if or how you should help your neighbours.

People are looking for answers. It's also a time with great political and religious unrest; not to mention what they consider the real threat of witches.

It's so easy for characters like Wulfric to be on their pedestal, praised for their work; and never looking too close at his own sins.

Unfortunately, I found this book very boring. Nothing happens in the plot, and because of ghost-Leah's narration, all of the characters are held at a distance, and I never felt connected to any of them; and they could not carry the story through the many lulls.

I also wish some of the storylines were cut - especially Johan's. It added nothing to the book, except page length. It didn't offer any world-building, any interesting plotline, or character development.

This was 2.5 out of 5 for me.

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